ANCHOR TEXT | DRAMANOTESREVIEW AND ANTICIPATE
In Act IV, Macbeth learns from the witches that he must “Beware
Macduff!” but that he need not fear any man “of woman born.”
He also learns he will never be vanquished until Birnam Wood comes
to Dunsinane. However, he sees a vision indicating that Banquo will
indeed father a long line of kings.
Armed with his new knowledge, Macbeth orders the murder of
Macduff’s wife and son. Macduff himself is in forces with Malcolm
and is overcome when he hears the news. Nevertheless, he and
Malcolm will lead an army against Macbeth.
Act V will determine the outcome as Macbeth, grown reckless in
evil, battles Malcolm and his men.Scene i • Dunsinane. In the castle.
[Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Waiting-Gentlewoman.]
Doctor. I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive
no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?
Gentlewoman. Since his Majesty went into the field.^1 I have seen
her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon her,
unlock her closet,^2 take forth paper, fold it, write upon ’t,
read it, afterwards seal it, and again return to bed; yet
all this while in a most fast sleep.- field battlefield.
5 2. closet chest.The Tragedy of
Macbeth
Act V
William Shakespeare
Copyright © SAVVAS Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V 335LIT22_SE12_U03_A5C_WC.indd 335 23/03/21 12:22 PMIdentify Mood
Students may have marked Scene i, lines 1–23
during their first read. Use these lines to help
students understand and identify the mood
with which the scene begins. Encourage
them to talk about the annotations that they
marked. You may want to model a close read
with the class based on the highlights shown
in the text.
ANNOTATE: Have students mark details in
these lines that evoke a sense of unease.QUESTION: Guide students to consider
what these details might tell them. Ask what
a reader can infer from what was marked
about the scene’s mood, and accept student
responses.
Possible response: The scene has an eerie,
creepy, suspenseful mood—it seems like
something horrible is about to happen.
CONCLUDE: Help students to formulate
conclusions about the importance of these
details in the text. Ask why Shakespeare
might have included these details.
Possible response: Shakespeare wants to scare
his audience and get them to wonder what the
Gentlewoman has heard Lady Macbeth say—just
as the Doctor wonders.
Remind students that the term mood, or
atmosphere, refers to the emotional climate
and expectations that the author’s use of
language evokes in the reader or audience.
Mood is created by the writer’s choice of
words and images, by the setting, and by
events in the work. The mood of a work
is closely related to tone—but these terms
are not interchangeable. Tone refers to the
writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward his or her
reader, audience, or subject matter.CLOSER LOOK
PERSONALIZE FOR LEARNING
English Language Support
Antiquated Language Note Scene i, lines 3–5:
“I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her
nightgown upon her, unlock her closet, take
forth paper....” Tell students that today’s English
speakers and writers rarely if ever use phrases
like “rise from [her] bed,” “throw [an item of
clothing] upon her” or “take forth [paper].” Point
out the footnote that indicates that here,closet means “chest” or “chest of drawers.”
Explain that a more modern style might be: “I’ve
seen her get out of bed, put on a nightgown,
unlock a drawer, take some paper out....” Help
students “modernize” other antiquated language
such as “Lo you, here she comes! This is her very
guise, and, upon my life, fast asleep! Observe her;
stand close.” EXPANDING/ BRIDGINGWhole-Class Learning 335
LIT21_TE12_U03_A5C_WC.indd 335 14/04/21 1:58 PM